At Last, a 16-Inch Windows Laptop That Powers Through the Day

In a market saturated with laptops that claim long battery life but rarely deliver, the HP EliteBook 8 G1i stands out as a refreshing exception. Touting itself as a champion for multitaskers, this device comes packed with impressive I/O options and aims to redefine power efficiency.

HP EliteBook 8 G1i – The 16-Inch Competitor

Product Overview

As part of the evolutionary journey from HP's EliteBook 800 lineup, the EliteBook 8 G1i caters to those who demand versatile hardware with a choice between AMD or Intel processors. I had the chance to evaluate the 16-inch variant equipped with 32GB DDR5-5600 RAM, a 512GB SSD, and an AMD Ryzen Pro 350 CPU clocking at 5 GHz. Coupled with ample connectivity options, this setup is a powerhouse for professionals and can handle day-to-day productivity, AI tasks, and more.

Design and Build

While the EliteBook 8 G1i showcases a lot of customizability in terms of hardware configurations, its physical appearance leans more towards the conventional. Price points vary, starting from $849 and stretching beyond $2,400, catering to corporate users with different needs. Despite its business-centric design, the laptop features a comfortable keyboard and a responsive trackpad.

Performance and Usability

The standout feature of the EliteBook 8 G1i is undoubtedly its battery efficiency, promising up to 17 hours on a single charge. In real-world use, it powers through an entire workday and trickles into the next without needing a recharge. It's one of the most temperature-efficient laptops this year, generating minimal heat even during resource-heavy tasks.

In terms of processing power, the laptop performs admirably, with benchmarks showing it outpaces similar models released by HP in the same year. The device excels at running multiple applications simultaneously, perfect for professionals who frequently juggle between various productivity software and browser tabs.

Display and Multimedia

Featuring a 16-inch IPS screen with a WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution and a brightness of 400 nits, the display gets the job done without much fanfare. Although it handles glare well due to its matte finish, a more vibrant screen would have been a welcome enhancement for the price. The audio quality from the laptop's HP Poly Studio stereo speakers is functional but does not exceed typical laptop standards.

Portability and Practicality

At approximately 3.7 pounds, the EliteBook 8 G1i is reasonably lightweight for a 16-inch laptop, making it a suitable companion for commuting professionals. Its streamlined design with rounded edges contributes to its ability to slip into a bag easily.

Comprehensive Connectivity

The laptop shines in connectivity, offering two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, USB-A, an additional USB-C, a nano SIM slot, and an audio jack. Such thoughtful placement of ports enhances usability, especially when hooking up external displays and peripherals.

Conclusion: Is the EliteBook 8 G1i Worth It?

For anyone in search of a robust, cool-running 16-inch laptop that won’t quit halfway through the day, the HP EliteBook 8 G1i should be on their radar. Priced above $1,500, it faces stiff competition, but its balance of power, efficiency, and connectivity make it a worthwhile consideration. As long as top-tier display quality isn't a priority, especially among creative professionals, its current configuration provides solid value.